President's Consultations Conclude: Eisenkot Receives More Recommendations Than Netanyahu

Consultations at the President's Residence concluded Thursday evening, with the Likud party recommending its chairman, Benjamin Netanyahu, to form the next government. In total, 67 Knesset members recommended Yesh Atid Chairman Gadi Eisenkot for the mandate, while 46 recommended Netanyahu. The seven members of United Torah Judaism abstained from making a recommendation. During the Likud delegation's meeting with President Isaac Herzog, Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated, "The left-wing parties must not turn off the light on the Jewish state." Kisch proposed forming a national government that would include Netanyahu's entire bloc, along with any other parties wishing to join. President Herzog questioned the Likud representatives about their willingness to exclude "extreme elements" to facilitate a broader government, to which Kisch responded, "Whoever accepts our principles is welcome." The President also addressed Transportation Minister Miri Regev regarding her critical remarks about Eisenkot, noting, "One cannot say about Eisenkot 'either right or Palestine' and then say we want a government of unity. A bit of proportion is needed." President Herzog also commented on the dispute between Shin Bet head David Zinai and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara concerning an investigation into alleged foreign interference in elections. Herzog reported that the two met and reached agreements on how to proceed, resolving their conflict. Other parties meeting with the President included Otzma Yehudit, which recommended Netanyahu, and representatives from Yesh Atid, Yachad, HaDemocratim, and the Joint List, all of whom recommended Eisenkot. United Torah Judaism chose not to recommend any candidate due to the issue of yeshiva student conscription. On Wednesday, the first day of consultations, Shas, Religious Zionism, and Otzma Yehudit recommended Netanyahu, while Yisrael Beiteinu and Ra'am recommended Eisenkot. In total, six factions recommended Eisenkot: Yesh Atid, Yachad, Yisrael Beiteinu, HaDemocratim, Ra'am, and the Joint List. Five factions recommended Netanyahu: Likud, Shas, Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, and Tzomet. United Torah Judaism was the only faction not to make a recommendation. Following the completion of the consultations, President Herzog is expected to make a statement and then decide whom to task with forming the government.